Both signatures, when correctly implemented and applied, are secure and can be used to protect documents legally. In terms of implementation, the two methods differ as you can see from the following processes. We will simplify this here using the example of SignRequest and a digital signature with LibreOffice."
Digital signature with LibreOffice:
- Built-in feature of the LibreOffice software, no need for a third-party service
- Limited to documents created or opened in LibreOffice
- Involves creating the digital signature within the LibreOffice software and using it to sign the document directly
- Provides the option to use a certificate from a trusted certificate authority
- Embeds the digital signature within the document, which can be verified by anyone who has access to the document and the public key of the signer's certificate
Digital signature with tools like SignRequest:
- Requires a third-party software or service like SignRequest to create and manage the digital signature
- Can be used for any type of document format, including PDF, Word, and more
- Involves uploading the document to the SignRequest platform and sending an email invitation to the signer
- Provides real-time tracking of the document's status
- Stores a copy of the signed document on the SignRequest platform for future reference
Disadvantages of using Cloud based Tools digital signatures:
- Dependence on cloud-based platform and internet connectivity.
- Limited customization options for document signing workflows.
- Potential security concerns related to storing sensitive documents in the cloud.
Disadvantages of using LibreOffice or alike for digital signatures:
- Limited collaboration and workflow management capabilities compared to cloud-based solutions.
- Lack of centralized signature tracking and management.
- Requires additional knowledge and technical expertise to set up and manage digital signatures within the software.
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